THE runners and riders have been announced for the by-election prompted by the resignation of a controversial councillor.

Washington East councillor Neville Padgett stepped down from Sunderland City Council in October citing ‘health reasons’.

His resignation came after controversy over the size of his expenses claims, which totalled £26,000 for fuel and food in two years. Read the full story here.A by-election has been announced for Thursday December 11.